Alborz mountain range that spans over the entire northern Iran, is the location of some extraordinary peaks each known for a special set of features. Sabalan has its crater lake, Alam-Kuh its rugged rocky north face and Tochal its ski resort. For the loftiest summit of them all however, you have to turn your head towards the map of Central Alborz where the imposing height of Mount Damavand stands. Mount Damavand is not only the highest mountain in Iran but also Asia’s highest volcano. In geological studies, Damavand (not to be mistaken with Damavand, a city 77 km east of Tehran) is often considered a potentially active volcano although its last eruption happened in 5300 BC.
Another prominent aspect of Mount Damavand often mentioned in its related facts is the major role it plays in Iranian literature and art. Poets and artists of almost every era in Iranian history were inspired by the mighty figure of Mount Damavand specially as it appears in ancient legends and mythology. Damavand has been cited as the realm of the first man and king, Keyumars and also as the prison of the arch-villain in Iranian legends, Zahhak. The latter, the vilest figure in the mythical history of Iran, was notorious for bringing the dark ages to the world. Sun, moon and all celestial bodies vanished from the heavens due to the horrendous acts of Zahhak that included genocide and cannibalism. He and the two demonic snakes that grew out of his shoulders were crucified upon the highest wall of Damavand by Fereydun, a young vengeful youth that replaced Zahhak as a just king. Some people who live in the villages around Damavand believe that the volcanic roars that are sometimes heard from the mountain are Zahhak’s raging cry. Damavand also appears in modern Iranian literature either as a symbol of patriotism and resistance against cruelty (Arash by Siavash Kasrai) or as a figure representing the futility of existence and its ideals (Arash by Bahram Beyzai). Arash the mythical hero of both works is a young archer who throws an arrow from the top of Mount Damavand that marks the farthest borders of Iranian empire. As one can see, Damavand holds a special place in the hearts of Iranians. That is why climbing Mount Damavand is considered the highest honor for any one harboring a love for mountains. And it isn’t all about going to the top of it (an arduous task considering its 5609 m height!). Ordinary people find many top-notch picnic spots in the expansive meadows around Damavand. Epic views and crispy cool weather of Mount Damavand also attracts many different types of tours to the highlands of Alborz. Most of the Iran tours operating around Damavand usually start their adventures from Polour village, one of the closest bases for reaching the mountain and its most popular climbing routes. You can choose a climbing tour, a hiking tour and any other option in the wonderful range of Damavand tours but one thing remains constant irrespective of your choice and that is the sublime view of the “white giant in shackles” as Mohammad-Taqi Bahar, another major modern poet, describes Damavand.
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